# scare story

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/scare-story
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A rumour spread by a scaremonger in order to cause anxiety.

## Examples

- Do not believe that scare story about the local water supply.
- The newspaper published a scare story about the economy to make people worried about their savings.
- Despite the lack of evidence, the politician continued to spread a scare story regarding the new policy to manipulate public opinion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.